Actor Yoo Ah In’s long-delayed film 'Hi.5' is finally set to hit theaters this June, marking the return of another shelved project in the wake of his ongoing drug scandal.
According to industry insiders on April 3rd, the film has tentatively locked in a June release, though the exact date remains flexible due to ongoing societal and political factors, such as the presidential impeachment trial.
With 'Hi.5' now moving toward release, all major Yoo Ah In-led projects that were previously on hold are officially making their way to the public. Netflix’s 'Goodbye Earth' was released in April 2023, followed by the theatrical release of 'The Match' just last month.
Hi.5, directed by 'Sunny' and 'Speed Scandal' helmer Kang Hyoung Chul, follows five strangers who suddenly gain superpowers and find themselves entangled in a battle with those who seek to exploit them. The ensemble cast includes Yoo Ah In, Lee Jae In, Ahn Jae Hong, Ra Mi Ran, and Kim Hee Won — generating buzz from the outset.
Filming wrapped in April 2022 after a five-month shoot, and distributor NEW originally slated it for a 2023 release. However, Yoo Ah In’s drug investigation, which began in early 2023, forced a postponement. As 'Goodbye Earth' and 'The Match' slowly made their way to release, 'Hi.5' remained in limbo.
The eventual decision to release the film in June appears to stem from a growing consensus that further delays are no longer feasible. The recent success of 'The Match', which held the top spot at the box office for nine consecutive days despite controversy, reportedly influenced the final call. Viewers have responded positively to Yoo Ah In’s performance, suggesting his name still carries weight with audiences.
However, Yoo Ah In’s participation in 'Hi.5' promotions remains uncertain. For 'The Match', all traces of the actor were deliberately minimized — from press junkets and interviews to posters and trailers. Given the favorable outcome of this "erasure" marketing strategy, 'Hi.5' may adopt a similar approach.
Yoo Ah In was handed a suspended sentence in February 2024 by the Seoul High Court: one year in prison with a two-year probation, a ₩2 million fine, additional penalties, and mandatory drug counseling and community service. Although he was released after five months in detention, the prosecution has appealed the ruling, and the case is now awaiting a final verdict from the Supreme Court.
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